19 March 2016
Beirut - In the presence of hundreds of invitees, distinguished business guests and media partners, Product of the Year (PoY) Lebanon, a leading innovation incubator in the FMCG sector, revealed the names of its winners on March 15, 2016. The 2016 edition of PoY, held at Eau De Vie in Phoenicia, honored this year's most innovative consumer products in a remarkable gala dinner.

Renowned worldwide for its recognition of innovation, PoY 2016 witnessed a diverse range of categories including Hot Beverages, Grains and Hand Wash, amongst others, while 28 shortlisted winners of local and international consumer products were awarded for implementing innovative business models, marking their leadership in the consumer goods' sector. Winning products will now be able to use the renowned "Voted Product of the Year 2016" label on their packaging and marketing campaigns throughout 2016.

Submitted to PoY over a 12-months period, products were solely voted by consumers through an independent consumer survey conducted by IPSOS. Consumers were surveyed on product innovation, usage, satisfaction and purchase intent after a fantastically high standard of brand submissions was presented to the jury, making a notable difference across every category.

To reinforce market innovation, excellence and the prestigious industry recognition, competing brands have proven to develop better understanding of the consumers' sentiment and purchase behavior.

Commenting on the occasion, Dory Kfoury, CEO of Product of the Year in the Middle East and North Africa, said, "We would like to congratulate all winning brands and thank them for their dedication and hard work. In spite of the challenging economic slowdown this year, Product of the Year managed to boost local and international traffic which reaffirms our commitment to innovation and product excellence," adding, "Entries have truly illustrated the galaxy of opportunities that innovative products in the FMCG sector present."

Zeina Estwany, Levant Area Director at Product of the Year in the Middle East and North Africa, commented, "Product of the Year has clocked 6 wonderful years celebrating product innovation and gained increasing recognition throughout the years, with a 64% awareness solely on the logo. 2016 has been a particularly strong year, led by many outstanding brands that broadened the scope of innovation. Product of the Year is honored to recognize these products and the project teams behind them." Estwany further explained winning products can now be found at dedicated display stands in Spinneys.

The results were revealed at a glamorous ceremony, with a special performance by Xris Jorr' and comedian Tony Abou Jaoudeh.

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The partners of this year's edition of PoY include LBCI TV, Pikasso, IPSOS, Sawt el Ghad Radio, Communicate Magazine and Spinneys Supermarket chain.

List of POY 2016 Winners:

Afia Sunflower Oil (Cooking oil), Epi D'Or Frozen Pastry (Frozen Pastries), Al Shifa Natural Honey (Honey), Monarch Sardines (Canned Seafood), Monarch Canned Vegetables (Canned Vegetables), Alpro Almond 1L (Milk Substitute), Lipton Chai Latte (Hot Beverages), Lifebuoy Hand wash (Hand Wash), Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo (Hair Care), Picon Dippers/Piconettes (Cheese Dips), Spinneys Edamame (Appetizers), Spinneys Rice Cake (Diet), Spinneys Quinoa Red/White (Grains), TAJ Rice (Rice), Americana Frozen Chicken Range (Frozen Food), Heinz Mayonnaise (Mayonnaise), Heinz Ketchup - Chili and Regular (Condiments), 7 Days Croissant (Sweet Snacks), California Garden Beans (Canned Beans), Leifheit Air Board Compact (Household), Ajax Multi-Purpose Cleaner (Multi-Purpose Cleaner), Tahiti Shower Gel (Body Wash), Soupline Concentrated (Fabric Softener), Sea Slim Gluten Free (Gluten Free line), Tanmia Fresh Line - Whole Chicken and Cut ups (Chicken), Multi Tomato Puree (Processed Tomatoes), Nobles Canned Chicken Breast (Ready to eat meal), Nature's Heart Healthy Oat Crackers (Light Bites).

About Product of the Year Lebanon
Product of the Year was established by Ex-L'Oreal Account Executive in France 28 years ago (1987). It is the only award designed to distinguish and reward innovation in the FMCG sector through an independent consumer survey in Lebanon. The award is considered a reference to customers in the local market, giving brands a great leverage that allows products to stand out and achieve greater sales. Participating products featuring unique innovations will be recognized as such and will be able to take advantage of a wide-ranging number of benefits offered to the Product of the Year award winners.

© Press Release 2016